Entrepreneurial Partnership Works to Build Sustainable, Healthy World for Kids / USA and Brazil

[Austin, TX, Rio de Janeiro Brazil- Monday January 14, 2013 ] – A Brazilian-American entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable technologies and green innovation is taking steps to build a safer, healthier environment for children. Austin-based entrepreneur Julio Ferreira has announced the formation of the JTJ Partnership to develop Green Kids Village (GKV), an initiative aimed at providing natural, sustainable environments and positive role models in place of what he calls “a toxic waste dump for the spirit.”

“Today’s kids don’t live in the real world,” explains Ferreira. “They have nothing beautiful or natural in their lives, nothing but urban boredom. They are constantly surrounded by movies and video games in which the goal is to maim or kill people. What message does this send about the value of life?” He points to the recent wave of U.S. shootings as a manifestation of this cultural problem. “When people see life as a game or movie where killing is okay and actions have no consequences, they buy a gun and try to emulate the models of ‘success’ they see,” he notes. “The sheer boredom and ugliness of modern life encourages many of them to turn to drugs. They are unplugged from reality.”

Green Kids Village intends to bring current and future generations of youth back to reality through an appreciation of the natural world and healthy activities. Ferreira emphasizes that positive reinforcement can and should take the place of negative reinforcement in a child’s upbringing and education. “We can teach the beauty of the world, and the necessity of preserving that beauty, just as easily as we can teach indifference and aggression,” he says. “But it is up to us to provide that education, along with an environment that supports it.”

Ferreira’s “sustainable village” will place a strong emphasis on ecological education through first-hand experience with the natural world. “We want to create a beautiful green mall with organic food courts and fun interactive activities for the whole family. At the same time, we will create a safe, healthy space where children can gather and enjoy themselves without parents worrying about where they are or what they are doing.”

Ferreira’s background seems well suited to the endeavor. In addition to his development of the Green Kids Village Partnership, Ferreira is also highly involved in the Brazil-USA Green Technology Trade Association and Brazil invest group-Garnero family . This organization is dedicated to building green technology and green energy partnerships and cooperation between the two nations. “We help connect technologists connect with capital providers. We also enhance communication and innovation through the networking of research, educational and agricultural institutions, and we work to increase government and public awareness of sustainability issues,” says Ferreira.

The other two members of the Green Kids Village Partnership are Jay Hargrave and Tyrone “Trae” Hudson. Hargrave is the owner, architect and fabricator at Jay Hargrave Architecture in Austin; Hudson is the owner and operator of Shubie’s Wave-house, Texas’ only flow-boarding facility. Ferreira expresses excitement about working with these two Austin entrepreneurs to help Green Kids Village recognize its potential, saying, “These two business owners are a great example of the kind of innovative thinkers and community-minded individuals that will make the Green Kids concept thrive.”

The JTJ Partnership currently seeks $5 million in equity funding for the GKV concept from socially-conscious businesses, institutions and organizations throughout the U.S. “In every major city plagued by crime, drugs or other social issues that affect kids, we believe there are community leaders who will gladly invest in a better tomorrow,” says Ferreira, adding that parents in these cities would almost certainly flock to GKV malls in an effort to keep their kids healthy and well-adjusted. “A healthy environment creates mentally, physically and socially healthy kids. If we can provide our children with a positive, life-affirming environment in which to play and learn, I believe we will see an end to this epidemic of violence and mental illness that is troubling so many young people. An investment in Green Kids is an investment in the future of our world.”

Interested parties are encouraged to contact Ferreira at (512) 636-2001 for more information.

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Dutch, American, Brazilian... lived there for 5 years and owns property in Brazil. Out of the country for a few years now and would like to go back, however current circumstances tell me it's not the right time.